Narrative:The Lockheed engineering testbed was used to evaluate the fly-by-wire rudder actuator and the ground minimum control speed (VMCG). During the final high-speed ground test-run, the aircraft accidentally veered left and became airborne. The Hercules climbed to 250 feet and crashed.

PROBABLE CAUSE: "Disengagement of the rudder fly-by-wire flight control system resulting in a total loss of rudder control capability while conducting ground minimum control speed tests. The disengagement was a result of the inadequate design of the rudder's integrated actuator package by its manufacturer; the operator's insufficient system safety review failed to consider the consequences of the inadequate design to all operating regimes. A factor which contributed to the accident was the flight crew's lack of engineering flight test training."

This map shows the airport of departure and the intended destination of the flight. The line between the airports does not display the exact flight path. Distance from Marietta-Dobbins AFB, GA to Marietta-Dobbins AFB, GA as the crow flies is NAN km (NAN miles).